I’m 26 years old with a disease process that has gone unidentified for 5 years. Finally, being admitted to the University of Chicago after this past series of episodes, I felt like I was in the best place I could be, but I was terrified, constantly breaking down crying, scared for what may come next. When I asked for my anti-anxiety medication, instead of just dropping it off and leaving, Kaylee actually sat and talked with me about her experience in a similar situation, causing her to isolate herself from her friends and family. Everything I feel but have been too scared to speak on. She didn’t have to go above and beyond sharing her experience and telling me about her recovery process. Reminding me that it sucks, it hurts, but that I have to stay strong and persevere because I can get through anything I put my mind to.

I’m in an extremely dark and scary place right now, and Kaylee taking that time to talk with me and share her experience has been the one thing that has made me feel like I can be ok eventually as long as I don’t give up. If she could travel her road of recovery and get back to her health care profession, maybe one day I too will be able to go back to my professions, careers I had to step away from after years of dedication because of how severe my health problems had gotten.

Kaylee Tong is the one person who’s made me feel like I have a chance at a real future, no matter how long and hard the road to recovery might be. I want to recognize her selflessness and dedication to the care of her patients. I’m blessed to have had Kaylee as my nurse today, and I hope that I will be blessed enough to have her again through the rest of my stay.